Dolwyddelan Castle

Castles and mountains. Dolwyddelan and Snowdonia. Made for each other. Improving on natures handiwork is easier said than done but this beauty blends beautifully with its craggy home. A blot it is not. Thank the Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales and de facto ruler of most of Wales, Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great).

Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (1173-1240), as he was also known, knew his square mile like nobody else. Dolwyddelan, along with nearby Dolbadarn and Prysor, formed a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the Welsh ruler. After his day, his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd took over the castle. He kept Edwards forces at bay for a while.

The magnificent keep was later supplemented by Llywelyn with a stone curtain wall enclosing the courtyard. The English went on to refortify the castle and add another rectangular tower. It didnt fare so well as the original. Maybe there is justice after all as it now lies in ruins.

With a little restorative help from the Victorians, this 13th-century fortress is now a masterpiece.

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Entrance Charge

Adults £2.60 Reduced Rate £2.25

Family Ticket £7.50 (admits 2 adults & all children under 16)

Children under 5: FREE

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Prices valid until 31st March 2010